Diabetic Foot: Specific Care and Prevention from Podiatry
Diabetic foot is one of the most common complications in people with diabetes and, at the same time, one of the most preventable if adequate control is followed. It is a set of alterations that affect the feet due to the combination of neuropathy, poor circulation, deformities, and an elevated risk of infections. A periodic check-up with a specialized podiatrist is essential to avoid major problems and preserve general health. At Semedi Salud, in Malaga, we offer a preventive and personalized approach to the comprehensive care of the diabetic foot.
What Exactly is Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot is defined as any lesion, ulcer, or infection that appears on the feet of people with diabetes and is related to vascular, nerve, or structural alterations. These complications can cause loss of sensitivity, deformities in the toes, changes in the skin, or difficulties in healing.
One of the most dangerous factors is diabetic neuropathy, which reduces sensitivity in the feet. This means that a small wound, graze, or burn can go unnoticed and evolve into a complicated ulcer. In addition, circulation is often affected, which hinders the healing of these lesions.
For this reason, early detection and specialized podiatric care are essential to avoid serious infections and amputations.
Risk Factors in Diabetic Foot
Not all people with diabetes develop diabetic foot, but there are factors that significantly increase the risk. Knowing them allows you to act in advance.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Produces loss of sensitivity in the feet, which prevents the detection of pain, heat, or wounds. It is the main origin of diabetic ulcers.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Poor circulation means that any wound takes much longer to close, facilitating infection and necrosis.
Deformities in the Feet
Claw toes, bunions, or bony prominences increase the risk of chafing and excessive pressure in specific areas.
Previous History of Ulcers or Amputations
People who have already had ulcers are more likely to suffer new injuries if they do not have professional follow-up.
Use of Inappropriate Footwear
Narrow, hard, or non-ventilated footwear causes friction, wounds, and accumulation of moisture, something especially dangerous in diabetic patients.
Prevention of Diabetic Foot from Podiatry
Prevention is the most powerful tool to avoid complications. At Semedi Salud we work from an educational and clinical approach, accompanying the patient in each step.
Periodic Podiatric Check-Up
Check-ups allow the detection of calluses, cracks, deformities, or changes in the skin before they evolve into more serious lesions. The podiatrist evaluates sensitivity, circulation, and general condition of the foot.
Professional Care of Nails and Skin
In the diabetic foot, a poorly cut nail can cause a wound that becomes infected. For this reason, the podiatrist is responsible for the safe cutting of nails, removal of calluses, and treatment of hardness or cracks.
Gait Analysis and Custom Insoles
A correct distribution of pressures is key. With a biomechanical study, inadequate supports are detected, and personalized insoles are designed to reduce friction and prevent ulcers.
Patient Education
The podiatrist guides the patient on how to check their feet, how to detect warning signs, and how to care for them properly in their day-to-day life.
Essential Daily Care for People with Diabetes
In addition to professional treatment, it is necessary to adopt a daily care routine at home. These are some fundamental habits:
Daily Visual Inspection
Check the sole of the foot, heels, sides, and between the toes to identify cuts, blisters, redness, or changes in the skin.
Proper Washing and Drying
Keep feet clean and dry, paying special attention to drying between the toes to prevent fungal infections.
Controlled Hydration
Apply moisturizing cream to the instep and sole of the foot, but never between the toes, where moisture can promote infections.
Footwear Selection
Wide footwear is recommended, without internal seams and with a flexible sole. Socks should be made of cotton or breathable materials.
Avoid Walking Barefoot
Even at home, to avoid injuries that may go unnoticed due to lack of sensitivity.
When to See the Podiatrist or Doctor Immediately
Anyone with diabetes should be attentive to certain signs that require urgent professional attention:
- Ulcers, wounds, or blisters that do not heal.
- Changes in the color or temperature of the foot.
- Intense pain, even if it appears suddenly.
- Secretions, bad odor, or clear signs of infection.
Early intervention avoids serious complications and increases the chances of recovery.
Diabetic Foot Care at Semedi Salud
At Semedi Salud, we offer a podiatry service specialized in diabetic foot that includes:
- Vascular and neurological evaluation.
- Comprehensive review of nails, skin, and foot structure.
- Treatment of wounds, calluses, and nail problems.
- Gait analysis and development of custom insoles.
- Advice for daily care at home.
- Periodic monitoring adapted to each patient.
Our goal is to reduce risks, improve the quality of life, and guarantee the safety of each person living with diabetes.
We are located in El Corte Inglés de Málaga.
